The West Country

THE WEST COUNTRY
is a region of rolling hills, peaceful valleys and historic towns and cities. SULIS GUIDES are West Country specialists and we can show you this region which is so rich in ancient buildings, castles, grand or intimate gardens, museums, churches, manor houses, tithe barns, coaching inns and pubs.

Here is just a brief taste of the many places to visit in the area that SULIS GUIDES will be happy to show you.

THE COTSWOLDS HILLS is an area of outstanding natural beauty and the tranquil countryside was first settled by prehistoric man and then embellished by prosperous medieval wool merchants with splendid country houses, charming cottages and handsome churches. At the southern end of the Cotswolds, see Bradford-on-Avon, Lacock or Castle Combe (named the prettiest village in England).

SALISBURY & THE MARLBOROUGH DOWNS - there are numerous reminders of early settlement in the Wiltshire countryside, such as the ancient stone circles of Stonehenge and Avebury - as well as the Historic towns of Salisbury with its gothic cathedral and Wilton with its famous Renaissance house.

THE MENDIPS AND SOMERSET - explore the mystery of King Arthur's legend, early Christianity at Glastonbury, the deepest gorge in Britain at Cheddar, and Wells with its magnificent cathedral and close.

BRISTOL - the Saxon maritime city and one-time gateway to America with fine medieval churches, restored harbour and docks, Brunel's great engineering masterpieces - the SS Great Britain and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.

SOUTH WALES & THE WYE VALLEY - spectacular castles and romantic ruined abbeys abound in magnificent scenery where the Romans and the Industrial Age have also left their mark.

STATELY HOMES AND GARDENS - great houses (some still occupied by the families who built them) with remarkable art treasures and outstanding gardens such as Longleat, Corsham Court, Bowood, Stourhead and many more.

OXFORD & THE RIVER THAMES - Oxford has a fascinating history and an extraordinary variety of people have studied in the city of dreaming spires. Explore the famous university, its colleges, ceremonial buildings and museums. The River Thames rises in the Cotswolds and meanders for 180 miles through Oxford, Henley on Thames and Windsor and on into the heart of London.